Hathurusingha named Bangladesh coach

The BCB has appointed Chandika Hathurusingha, the former Sri Lanka batsman, as Bangladesh's head coach for a two-year period. He has left his position as the assistant coach of New South Wales and coach of Sydney Thunder, and is expected to arrive in Dhaka on June 10. This will be his first stint as head coach of an international side.

"The two-year agreement has been finalised with Chandika Hathurusingha," BCB president Nazmul Hassan told reporters. "Although the agreement begins on July 1 this year, since we are playing against India next month, we are hoping he will arrive by June 10.

"We had a few alternatives apart from Chandika Hathurusingha. The first reason to choose him is his knowledge of subcontinental conditions. Plus he has worked in Australia and with the World Cup coming up, this is a good combination for us. Hathurusingha is among high-profile coaches from around the world, as far as I am concerned."

He has had experience at the helm of both New South Wales, in the latter half of the 2012-13 season, and Sydney Thunder. New South Wales won the Sheffield Shield in March, their first domestic title since 2008. His tactical acumen was highly acclaimed during his tenure as shadow coach with the Sri Lankan team but a disciplinary issue had terminated his association with the side in 2010.

Hathurusingha replaces Shane Jurgensen who resigned as Bangladesh coach in April after completing 14 months of his two-year stint. A five-member special committee was put in charge to find new coaches to replace Jurgensen, trainer David Dwyer, batting and fielding coach Corey Richards and Richard McInnes, the head coach of the National Cricket Academy.

Dwyer has been replaced by Mario Villavarayan as the new strength and conditioning coach, although BCB is still in discussion with candidates for the role of fast bowling coach.

During the press conference, Hassan was asked about Chaminda Vaas as the potential bowling coach while ESPNcricinfo has learned that Champaka Ramanayake is also being approached by the BCB. Ramanayake used to be Bangladesh's bowling coach between 2008 and 2011. It was also understood that another former fast bowler is being approached for a short-term role.

"We have appointed Mario Villavarayan as the strength and conditioning coach, also for two years. He will join us by the fifth or sixth of June. We are also looking for specialist coaches, especially fast bowling, spin and fielding.

"We are trying to [appoint someone soon], but I don't think we will get everyone before the India series. We are communicating with them, because not all of them are full-time coaches, so we are trying to work out a time slot. We haven't gone too far in this regard, so we don't want to talk much about it," said Hassan.

Regarding Vaas, he said, "His [Vaas'] name is also there in the list for fast bowling coach. But we are talking elsewhere too."

Hathurusingha had expressed interest towards a role with Sri Lanka, who are also looking for a new head coach after Paul Farbrace agreed to become England's assistant coach.

I think BCB should fulfill the requirements of coach. and help him instead of criticizing. BCB should concentrate into domestic cricket standard and better pitches in domestic circuit, strong school cricket and a cricket academy. BD needs a good cricket academy which can accommodate 500 students pick up all over BD. It will be good for BCB not organizing world cricket events instead use those money to spend on cricket development and cricket academy. Otherwise another 20 years and best coaches can not make any difference in term of improvement.

Kazi
on May 22, 2014, 10:19 GMT

BCB has Chosen the right man and they apointed him because He coached In Australia for two to three years and he is an Asian. His previous record doesn't qualify him to get $ 25000 ( TK 19,500,00) . Good luck to Chandika and Bangladesh national cricket team.

Shah
on May 21, 2014, 18:06 GMT

What i am seeing now is that Hathurusingha is over rated by SL'n fans...& it looks like BCB is over paying this new appointed SL'n coach because he is going to be an INT head coach for the very first time, so there should have been a contract or option of first observing the progress of BD cricket in a period of time with him & then after that come to this super BiG amount rather than jumping to this amount directly but yes as i said his reports says he is actually a good coach...to SL'n fans he could have been a best choice for SL national team coach but it doesn't mean he would be also really good for BD even though BD also have much talented players apart from national side...what BD needs really really to work on in their domestic infrastructure, fast bowling & mindsets…so I hope it covers as soon as possible…

associate cricket fan
on May 20, 2014, 3:57 GMT

I Hathurusinga is a good choice for BD. An asian coach will have a understanding with their neighborhood players.

Dummy4
on May 20, 2014, 3:04 GMT

For my dearest BD fans. You have good and talent players. But the main thing you players haven't good and strategic brain. See your team's pass records. Individually the have good talent. But they don't know how to play the game according to the situation. They try to hit 4 or 6 every ball. That is the only week this BD have. If Hathuru can fix this you will be a big fighter.

Sunil
on May 19, 2014, 20:12 GMT

Good to see Asian teams going for locals or neigbours for guidance. Now all subcon teams bar India got Asian coaches. Nice they've come off that colonial mentality.

Dummy4
on May 19, 2014, 19:15 GMT

This is a very astute appointment by the BCB. Hathurusinghe would already be the Head Coach of his country, if it weren't for the typical political game that blights Sri Lankan cricket. With regards to Vaas, Sri Lanka must do everything possible to retain him. He's worked wonders with Eranga, Pradeep and Lakmal. I hope he'll stay out of the BCB's clutches!

mohammad
on May 19, 2014, 18:32 GMT

Funny to see how some people say under 19 teams needs a better coach more than the national team.It seems like under 19 team will play in the world cup.Shakib was not and will never be produced by a coach, same goes for Tendulkar too.Talent is inborn, you can shape it but not make it and you need a good coach to guide the national team under stressed situation.However, I doubt this coach's loyalty.When he was almost certain to come to BD, how come he said some news agencies of BD that he was never approached by BCB? He could say "No comment."

Dik
on May 19, 2014, 17:26 GMT

"Although the agreement begins on July 1 this year, since we are playing against India next month, we are hoping he will arrive by June 10." - The level of unprofessionalism! Good God! Why would a guy come a MONTH early to his work?? Why not appoint him from June 1st!?

Anyways. Lets see how long he sticks around.

Ranil
on May 19, 2014, 17:19 GMT

This is another first by Sri Lanka;no other asian has become a coach of another Test side! Sri Lanka are leading the way.Although Dave (whatmore) was Sri Lankan he had immigrated to Aus when he was appointed.Kudos to Hathuru.I'm sure BD will benefit immensely from this appointment (unless he is in the running for the Sri Lankan post too).

Dummy4
on May 22, 2014, 12:14 GMT

I think BCB should fulfill the requirements of coach. and help him instead of criticizing. BCB should concentrate into domestic cricket standard and better pitches in domestic circuit, strong school cricket and a cricket academy. BD needs a good cricket academy which can accommodate 500 students pick up all over BD. It will be good for BCB not organizing world cricket events instead use those money to spend on cricket development and cricket academy. Otherwise another 20 years and best coaches can not make any difference in term of improvement.

Kazi
on May 22, 2014, 10:19 GMT

BCB has Chosen the right man and they apointed him because He coached In Australia for two to three years and he is an Asian. His previous record doesn't qualify him to get $ 25000 ( TK 19,500,00) . Good luck to Chandika and Bangladesh national cricket team.

Shah
on May 21, 2014, 18:06 GMT

What i am seeing now is that Hathurusingha is over rated by SL'n fans...& it looks like BCB is over paying this new appointed SL'n coach because he is going to be an INT head coach for the very first time, so there should have been a contract or option of first observing the progress of BD cricket in a period of time with him & then after that come to this super BiG amount rather than jumping to this amount directly but yes as i said his reports says he is actually a good coach...to SL'n fans he could have been a best choice for SL national team coach but it doesn't mean he would be also really good for BD even though BD also have much talented players apart from national side...what BD needs really really to work on in their domestic infrastructure, fast bowling & mindsets…so I hope it covers as soon as possible…

associate cricket fan
on May 20, 2014, 3:57 GMT

I Hathurusinga is a good choice for BD. An asian coach will have a understanding with their neighborhood players.

Dummy4
on May 20, 2014, 3:04 GMT

For my dearest BD fans. You have good and talent players. But the main thing you players haven't good and strategic brain. See your team's pass records. Individually the have good talent. But they don't know how to play the game according to the situation. They try to hit 4 or 6 every ball. That is the only week this BD have. If Hathuru can fix this you will be a big fighter.

Sunil
on May 19, 2014, 20:12 GMT

Good to see Asian teams going for locals or neigbours for guidance. Now all subcon teams bar India got Asian coaches. Nice they've come off that colonial mentality.

Dummy4
on May 19, 2014, 19:15 GMT

This is a very astute appointment by the BCB. Hathurusinghe would already be the Head Coach of his country, if it weren't for the typical political game that blights Sri Lankan cricket. With regards to Vaas, Sri Lanka must do everything possible to retain him. He's worked wonders with Eranga, Pradeep and Lakmal. I hope he'll stay out of the BCB's clutches!

mohammad
on May 19, 2014, 18:32 GMT

Funny to see how some people say under 19 teams needs a better coach more than the national team.It seems like under 19 team will play in the world cup.Shakib was not and will never be produced by a coach, same goes for Tendulkar too.Talent is inborn, you can shape it but not make it and you need a good coach to guide the national team under stressed situation.However, I doubt this coach's loyalty.When he was almost certain to come to BD, how come he said some news agencies of BD that he was never approached by BCB? He could say "No comment."

Dik
on May 19, 2014, 17:26 GMT

"Although the agreement begins on July 1 this year, since we are playing against India next month, we are hoping he will arrive by June 10." - The level of unprofessionalism! Good God! Why would a guy come a MONTH early to his work?? Why not appoint him from June 1st!?

Anyways. Lets see how long he sticks around.

Ranil
on May 19, 2014, 17:19 GMT

This is another first by Sri Lanka;no other asian has become a coach of another Test side! Sri Lanka are leading the way.Although Dave (whatmore) was Sri Lankan he had immigrated to Aus when he was appointed.Kudos to Hathuru.I'm sure BD will benefit immensely from this appointment (unless he is in the running for the Sri Lankan post too).

KH. RAFIQUE
on May 19, 2014, 16:33 GMT

His previous track record doesn't qualify him to get $25000 per month as salary.He would stay until the WC 2015 and then would resign showing the cause of `Family concern' like the others and then join SL cricket for a sure.I'm really disappointed to see BCB tagged him as High Profile coach.It would have been better to hire specialist batting and bowling coach at half of his salary to get the best out of our team.

Dummy4
on May 19, 2014, 15:59 GMT

I think more than hiring for head coach, BCB should focus on hiring better U19/U17 coaches who are key to produce the next Shakib, Mushfique etc. The reality is Bangladesh First Class structure isnt that great and the facilities lack even decent equipments. Paying Chandika handsome amount a month is okay but they should also think of investing in more infrastructure and age-based facilities to establish the foundation. There is a reason why ALL the coaches quit in Bangladesh- they were not allowed to do their job including Academy coach. Without addressing those issues, coach like Andy Flower or Gary K. will also fail in Bangladesh. Nevertheless, as moron as BCB is, they end up always hiring the best coaches somehow!! CONGRATS to Chandika H.

Dummy4
on May 19, 2014, 15:11 GMT

Wish Haturu will do some work to improve the BD cricketers' temperament as well as technique where the youngsters are lacking seriously. But at the same time BCB should change their work approach too. Wish I could ask the BCB body that why don't we try to make at least one sporting pitch? Where is the pace bowling talent hunt program? During my college study I have seen few very good leg spinners in CTG local tournaments, the quality of those local leagues were quite high and competitive too. But unfortunately we failed to uplift the quality of domestic leagues and bring the quality players in the pipeline. Need some think tanks in the board too.

Amir
on May 19, 2014, 14:54 GMT

This is a good decision by BCB. Welcome Chandika. Hopefully BCB can make a few other good decisions regarding the cricket structure around the country as well as have a plan to develop the kids who can replace the current players who are under performing.

prasad
on May 19, 2014, 14:12 GMT

He is a talented coach with experience in coaching NSW in Australia and assistant coach in sri lanka. Very smart move by BCB hope he can develop Bangladesh team to world beaters.

Raj
on May 19, 2014, 14:09 GMT

I can foresee a situation where in he ditches BD to go and coach SL when they approach him just like paul farbrace...

Lakpriya
on May 19, 2014, 13:53 GMT

Really good move by BDB, it is a pity that SLC can't understand the value of this guy. After the England tour SL too might start to look for a permanent coach. if by any chance they decide to go to Hathurusinghe BCB might have to face something similar to what did ECB to SLC.

Shoaib
on May 19, 2014, 13:23 GMT

We need a really good bowling coach. Its the bowling attack which cost us games which we should've won like that big scoring game against Pakistan in Asia Cup.

chami
on May 19, 2014, 13:10 GMT

this is a good move by DB, we have only few in the world who have experience bowling and batting international level ... good luck BD

Dummy4
on May 19, 2014, 12:54 GMT

Though he doesn't appear him a World known batsman; I do admit his coaching ability and skills was excellent and witnessed his ability as my coach at MSC, Colombo. Congratulation Chandka Hathurusinghe!!!

Dummy4
on May 19, 2014, 12:33 GMT

I have been always against Indians bringing their cricket and cricketers into picture when commenting on a news item related to Sri Lanka cricket. Likewise I am very disappointed with the attitude and comments of some of the Sri Lankans here. There was no need to put down Indian cricket here. We are discussing BD cricket and their new head coach. First of all congratulations to Chandika and you deserve the honor which was taken away from you by a top gun of Sri Lanka cricket administrator few years back. BD was promoted to big league prematurely. As a result they are struggling to survive. There is a pressing need for improving temperament and attitude of BD batsmen in particular at international level. I am sure Chandika will work on that. Yet again I do not expect miracles. If BD shows gradual improvement that means Chandika has done his job. Good luck.

Mohammad
on May 19, 2014, 12:29 GMT

It's good to see BCB appoint Hathurusingha as head coach & hope that he will stay with team Bangladesh for long time. Also I think BCB need to change the structure of the domestic cricket other wise it doesn't matter how good coach they bring it won't help them, they need to change the pitches the game is being played in Bangladesh, they need to make sure the pitches are suitable for pace bowling and not just for the left arm spinner, and the domestic teams need to change their mentality of how they approach the game, they need to find some good leg spinner and some very quick pace bowler and back them in the team. Most of all BCB need to spread the cricket and the management of cricket in the country all over, because it seems like few Dhaka based club is pulling the string of cricket for the whole nation.

Dummy4
on May 19, 2014, 12:23 GMT

Finally, Chandika's talents are recognized!

Sandeep
on May 19, 2014, 12:08 GMT

@Cricsnake: Well said, Most of the Srilankan fans Wants to think before Ink. As you guys know we are all not playing this world in Asian Platforms. The conditions are very different as compare to playing in subcontinent. I think New-zealand & Aussies have more chances than other teams, because they are well aware of conditions and they are playing in-front of Home crowd. All teams have got equal chance to win this World cup provided every player in the team want to deliver his best performance of the career. So best of luck to all participating nations. As a fan we have support the game not nations..

Iraj
on May 19, 2014, 11:30 GMT

@SandeepChavanCKD
It's not easy to beat India in Aus to any sub-continent team as you expect. India is far more stronger side than you think. Look at Kohli, he is a brilliant ODI batsman, most probably the best young batsman in the world. Rohit, Dhawan, Pujara (If play ODI's) & Jadeja all do pretty well in limited format when they are in form. Dhoni also very dangerous as a finisher. SL did well against Aussies in Aus in the recent past and young Lankans like Chandimal & Thirimanne do well on fast tracks. Though we (SL) play better against Aussies, when it comes to India or Pakistan (or BD if they improve a lot), it might be a different story. South Asian teams are much familiar about each other & it might be a close battle most of the time despite the location. I think all SL, India & Pak have equal chances in 2015 WC & the result depends on form & strategies of each team.

Shah
on May 19, 2014, 11:26 GMT

I see BCB has appointed a sub-continent coach this time so this would be really interesting to see how it works for BD now but i believe it would be better as it says Chandika's reputation in coaching is not mediocre but good & now he is going to be an INT coach for the first time& BD is also from Asia, so will be expecting something better enough from BD team than before & at the same time their domestic structure must be well organized with better fast bowlers in all formats & condition so that it helps the players & the coach both & BD be consistent in their winning rate. Mushi & others must work hard on to lessen the silly mistakes in the field with proper shot selections, fielding strategy & bowling change..wish to see a balanced team. Congrats Chandika!

@Blade-Runner: BD being a test side has higher hopes than just winning against IND because there are better test teams other than IND to beat also..even though BD is yet to improve enough due to their inconsistent performances...

Iraj
on May 19, 2014, 11:12 GMT

Congrats Hathuru for his new career as a main coach for international team. Good Luck Bangladesh too. Hope Hathuru can lead the Bangla-boys to remarkable heights. BD needs to improve a lot after some frustration at home. I'm sure they will. Good Luck & Cheers !

Reza
on May 19, 2014, 10:52 GMT

I have no doubt Hathurusinghe will do wonders for this squad!!Congrats BD, I hope you will learn from Hathurusinghe. As a SL I am sad for SLC.

Shipu
on May 19, 2014, 10:40 GMT

Very good move and wish the new coach all the success. Many of our players are too casual and relaxed and we need a coach that won't tolerate such behaviour at this high level. Time to be strict and serious towards our players and if they don't like it then they know where the door is and give newer deserving players who are willing to show commitment to the national team.

Dummy4
on May 19, 2014, 10:34 GMT

Don't see any hope for BD cricket team within next 5-10 years. The way the team's performance is degrading, i'm afraid that the end is near. Reminds me the performance degradation of the BD soccer team back in late 80s. People lost their interest in soccer and now we know the status of BD soccer. If the performance in cricket does not change (which is not gonna happen with the current domestic infrastructure and political involvement in team selection) cricket will soon get the status of soccer in BD. In current situation I doubt that BD can even compete with Nepal, Afghanistan and Ireland in a consistent manner.

Android
on May 19, 2014, 10:16 GMT

day by day SLC loosing quality Sri Lankans, congrats BD and all the best, until BD realized where they stand and until they get out of overconfident mindset its hard task BD to improve

Dummy4
on May 19, 2014, 10:13 GMT

I am always a supporter continental coach for Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India. The reason is - we are different, play differently and understand differently. The way to learning and teaching in English country is way different than us. English people know how to speak and make everyone's happy, that's called their great people management. However, they never work by heart to develop for any particular nation. Hathurusingha would be the best for now. He was a one of the top coach in Australia, fighting with Aussie coach is really hard here. I salute his fighting style...to stay on from cricket player to coach.

Azizul
on May 19, 2014, 10:05 GMT

I am bangladeshi and like the attitude and dedication of srilankan and I sincerely hope He will bring evolution in Our cricket. Srilankans have been very helpful and generous to Bangladesh cricket from the beginning. I hope this coach will bring a Ranatunga Like personality in our team.

Tony
on May 19, 2014, 10:00 GMT

This will be an interesting appointment. It's interesting because it's not a veteran like Dav Whatmore or like the previous coach who did not really have much experience and Bangladesh was his big break. But somebody who is a rising star in the coaching ranks who has proven himself but has not really had the chance yet to lead from the front. It would be one of those appointments where I think the coach will grow as well as the team. Wish him well.

Android
on May 19, 2014, 9:48 GMT

it will b great....

Anver
on May 19, 2014, 9:43 GMT

Excellent news !!! I think this is a good step forward for "HATHURU" internationally Good Luck !!!!

udendra
on May 19, 2014, 9:43 GMT

This is SL's loss. But still Bangladesh is not a bunch you can easily improve. They first need to get over the over-confident attitudes.

Dummy4
on May 19, 2014, 9:35 GMT

SLC board should seriously question themselves about their inability to secure a top class coach from our own nationality

Ruwan
on May 19, 2014, 9:07 GMT

Congratz! . Hathurusinghe can do something better for the BD.He has the ability to handle it with his experience & proven.Good Luck BD.

Sandeep
on May 19, 2014, 8:50 GMT

Very poor post by Srilankan fans, let wait and watch who will beat who in coming world cup, its too early to talk anything about any team who are participating in the coming world cup. And their exist no comparison between India Vs Srilanka. And I am not much worried about Ind Vs Bng result, But Indian team can definitely beat you in the coming world cup...Really you guys don't know what to post on this platform.

mustaq
on May 19, 2014, 8:37 GMT

congrts , may be he will perform his reputation .

John
on May 19, 2014, 8:30 GMT

This is great for Bangladesh. Too bad Sri Lanka didn't bag him as he would have bee invaluable for upcoming world cup in Aus/NZ. I'm sure Bangladesh will be able to beat couple of teams (like India) in the WC with the help of their new coach.

akash
on May 19, 2014, 8:29 GMT

Hope Bangladeshi players will be able to learn how to fight. It is very important for BD players to be motivated first and then improve their skills. All the best boys!!!!!!!!!!!

Dummy4
on May 19, 2014, 8:28 GMT

I am sure BD will suceess with Hathuru , As a Sri Lankan we always support BD & not forgetting their enthusium / Ground Support towards SL Team during world T20, Good Luck BD .

Farhan
on May 19, 2014, 8:17 GMT

This guy has a really good reputation in SL and seemed like an aggressive coach something that BD needs the most so hopefully he will bring some positive change to the team. Good Luck to him and BD team

Dummy4
on May 19, 2014, 8:14 GMT

I think this is a good decesion by BCB. In my view, for any sub continent country, Asian good coach is best choice. Bcz language problem is a great problem. and also Asian coaches are not behind than England, Australin coaches. This is our mentality that they are good ( white skin people ). We have to give chance to them ( asian coach ). All the best Chandika

Ishan
on May 19, 2014, 8:02 GMT

Congratz! Best wishes from Melbourne. Your own country ignored you. Show them what you can do!!

anuradha
on May 19, 2014, 7:51 GMT

Congratulations, hope u end coaching your own country

No featured comments at the moment.

anuradha
on May 19, 2014, 7:51 GMT

Congratulations, hope u end coaching your own country

Ishan
on May 19, 2014, 8:02 GMT

Congratz! Best wishes from Melbourne. Your own country ignored you. Show them what you can do!!

Dummy4
on May 19, 2014, 8:14 GMT

I think this is a good decesion by BCB. In my view, for any sub continent country, Asian good coach is best choice. Bcz language problem is a great problem. and also Asian coaches are not behind than England, Australin coaches. This is our mentality that they are good ( white skin people ). We have to give chance to them ( asian coach ). All the best Chandika

Farhan
on May 19, 2014, 8:17 GMT

This guy has a really good reputation in SL and seemed like an aggressive coach something that BD needs the most so hopefully he will bring some positive change to the team. Good Luck to him and BD team

Dummy4
on May 19, 2014, 8:28 GMT

I am sure BD will suceess with Hathuru , As a Sri Lankan we always support BD & not forgetting their enthusium / Ground Support towards SL Team during world T20, Good Luck BD .

akash
on May 19, 2014, 8:29 GMT

Hope Bangladeshi players will be able to learn how to fight. It is very important for BD players to be motivated first and then improve their skills. All the best boys!!!!!!!!!!!

John
on May 19, 2014, 8:30 GMT

This is great for Bangladesh. Too bad Sri Lanka didn't bag him as he would have bee invaluable for upcoming world cup in Aus/NZ. I'm sure Bangladesh will be able to beat couple of teams (like India) in the WC with the help of their new coach.

mustaq
on May 19, 2014, 8:37 GMT

congrts , may be he will perform his reputation .

Sandeep
on May 19, 2014, 8:50 GMT

Very poor post by Srilankan fans, let wait and watch who will beat who in coming world cup, its too early to talk anything about any team who are participating in the coming world cup. And their exist no comparison between India Vs Srilanka. And I am not much worried about Ind Vs Bng result, But Indian team can definitely beat you in the coming world cup...Really you guys don't know what to post on this platform.

Ruwan
on May 19, 2014, 9:07 GMT

Congratz! . Hathurusinghe can do something better for the BD.He has the ability to handle it with his experience & proven.Good Luck BD.

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